TC board OKs up to $250K in renovations

Work to take place in Humanites Building during the summer

Texarkana College’s Board of Trustees approved up to $250,000 in renovations to the Humanities Building during their regular meeting Monday.

The project will begin this summer, when the building is closed for renovations to the heating and air systems, which are not expected to cost more than $800,000. Original estimates for the heating and air system were more than $1.2 million, and funds originally earmarked for that project will be used for the restroom renovations.

In other business, the board recognized members of the school’s Zeta Sigma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, which took top honors at the recent Texas Regional Convention held in Corpus Christi, Texas. They received the Award of Distinction for their Honors in Action project and also the Award of Merit. Dean Mary Ellen Young, the group’s sponsor, received a Continued Excellence award, with Russell receiving the Chief Executive Officer Hall of Honor award. Chapter members Sostenes Sanchez and Edlyn Leon were also named to the District III Hall of Honor.

In other business, Courtney Shoalmire, dean of Health Sciences, made a presentation to the board on the accreditation for a new associate of applied science program for the school’s Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic program. Students have the option of pursuing the associate’s degree by completing 60 hours or completing a one-year certificate with 37 semester credit hours. All students who plan to enter the program must first complete a 12-week non-credit EMT course, which is offered several times per year.

Administrative contract renewals were also approved, along with rank advancements for six faculty members.